Zack Burdi made his High-A debut and hit 102 with his fastball – see this article for an in-depth report on that. It was also a night to remember on the mound for Jacob Turner, as he fired a six hit shutout for the Charlotte Knights. Spencer Adams turned in a very nice start, but still suffered the loss.. Kannapolis won two games in walk-off fashion, as Antonio Rodriguez had the winning hit in both contests for the Intimidators.
Charlotte 5, Gwinnett 0
Jacob Turner was the best he has been all year, as the young righty pitched a six hit complete game shutout over the Gwinnett Braves. He also struck out five, and threw just 101 pitches over nine frames.
Carlos Sanchez led the way offensively for the Knights, as he went 2 for 3 with two runs scored and a solo home run, his sixth of the season. Catcher Brett Hayes also went deep, hitting a solo shot in the top of the seventh, his first of the year. Matt Davidson and Nick Delmonico both had a pair of hits, while Leury Garcia had a double and a RBI on the night.
Chris Volstad makes the start tonight for the Knights in game two of three with the Braves.
Mobile 5, Birmingham 2
Brandon Brennan struggled over 5.2 innings of work, surrendering five runs on nine hits while striking out five. The bullpen did a nice job, as Andre Wheeler threw 1.1 scoreless frames and was followed by Robin Leyer, who fired a scoreless eighth while punching out a pair.
At the plate, Courtney Hawkins had a pair of singles and a run scored, while Joey DeMichele hit a solo home run, his seventh of the season. Other standouts offensively include Jeremy Dowdy, who had two hits, and Adam Engel, who had a single and one run scored.
The Bay Bears and Barons clash again tonight, as southpaw David Holmberg is set to make the start.
Wilmington 3, Winston-Salem 1
Our own Matt Cassidy took in this game live, and has already published this piece with a detailed look at Zack Burdi’s debut in the Carolina League, featuring exclusive video and interview.
Spencer Adams turned in a very nice start, going seven innings and giving up just two runs on seven hits with a pair of strikeouts. Zack Burdi followed Adams in his High-A debut, surrendering one run on three hits over an inning of work. Ryan Riga also made his High-A debut after being promoted from Kannapolis, firing a scoreless eighth inning without giving up a hit.
The Dash only had three hits on the night, as Brett Austin had a double and the team’s only RBI. Hunter Jones and Nick Basto each had a single as well.
Lefty Tanner Banks takes the ball this afternoon in game three of four with the Blue Rocks.
Kannapolis 3, Delmarva 2 (Game 1 – 11 innings)
This game was suspended Thursday in the bottom of the fourth due to rain, but the two teams returned to action early Friday evening with the Shorebirds leading 1-0.
Brannon Easterling made the start and went four innings, giving up one run on two hits with a pair of strikeouts. The bullpen was terrific following Easterling, as four pitchers combined to give up just one run over seven innings. Drew Hasler, Jack Charleston, and Yelmison Peralta all had scoreless appearances for the Intimidators.
The Dash only had six hits, as Seby Zavala led the way with a pair of hits, three walks, and one RBI. K.J. Woods had one hit and one RBI, and Antonio Rodriguez had a walk-off game winning double in the bottom of the eleventh, driving in Zavala.
Kannapolis 1, Delmarva 0 (Game 2 – 8 innings)
Luis Martinez was stellar in his five innings of work, giving up no runs on five hits while striking out seven. Dylan Barrow pitched two hitless innings, while Taylore Cherry earned the win, pitching a hitless eighth inning while striking out one.
Antonio Rodriguez decided that one walk-off hit on the day wasn’t enough for him, as he drove in Tyler Sullivan with a single in the bottom of the eighth. Rodriguez led the way offensively with a trio of base knocks, while Sullivan, K.J. Woods, and Max Dutto also chipped in with a hit.
The Shorebirds and Intimidators meet tonight, as no starter has been announced for Kannapolis.
DSL Orioles 7, DSL White Sox 3
** Note: Great Falls and Helena were postponed due to rain. The two teams will play a doubleheader today with game one beginning at 6 pm CT.
Want to know right away when we publish a new article? Type your email address in the box and click the “create subscription” button. Our list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.